A skydiver has bailed out of his airplane at a height of 3000 m. The mass of the skydiver and his parachute is 80 kg. What is the drag (force of air resistance) on the system (man plus parachute) when he reaches terminal speed?
A) 120 N
B) 360 N
C) 784 N
D) 750 N

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At terminal velocity, the force of air resistance (drag) is equal to the force of gravity acting on the skydiver and parachute system. The force of gravity can be found using the formula F = mg, where m is the mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2). 
Fg = (80 kg) * (9.8 m/s^2) = 784 N
Therefore, at terminal velocity, the drag on the system is also 784 N. Therefore, the correct choice is C, 784 N.

A Skydiver Has Bailed Out of His Airplane at a Height